REFLECTOR AND FRAME Russian patent published in 1998 - IPC

FIELD: space engineering; development and operation of large-sized transformable orbital reflectors. SUBSTANCE: reflector includes transformable framework in form of circular solenoids with circular flywheels mounted in them and made fro material possessing thermomechanical memory of form and folding rod-type polygonal frames connected with circular solenoids by means of coupling units. Mirror film base of reflector is made in form of strips secured to frames through form-setting members and film tension regulators; these members may be made in form of circular solenoids with circular flywheels carrying strips of film and imparting complex form to reflector, for example, parabolic form. Some strips of film may be connected with frames as controllable gills when surface of reflector is used as solar sail. In orbit, reflector opens due to effect of memory of form of circular flywheel by means of spring drives and retainers of frame rods; final form of film surface and control of orientation of reflector are made due to spinning-up of flywheels inside circular solenoids and redistribution of total angular momentum of system among different circular flywheels. EFFECT: enhanced efficiency. 4 cl, 18 dwg